Search health advice

Question

Posted by: Anri | 2009/09/23

Q.

Turner syndrome/Hypoplastic heart condition

Hi, I am currently 32 weeks pregnant with boy/girl twins. The girl was diagnosed with Turner Syndrome at 22 weeks, as well as having a severe (lef) hypoplastic heart. Both the gynea and specialist prepared me for the fact that she will not live longer than a couple of days. I have been booked for a c-section at 38 weeks, and just need to know what I can expect when the girl is born - approximately how long will/can she live, and what procedure will be followed following her being born? Thank you.

Expert's Reply

A.

The association between hypoplastic left heart and Turner's syndrome is well known. This is usually an exteremly serious situation for the baby. Without treatment your baby is unlikely to survive for more than a few days as her heart cannot circulate her blood through her body.Depending on the severity of her heart condition it is possible these days to successfully operate in some babies with this condition. If an operation is possible your little girl will require careful watching afterwards for the rest of her life.

The information provided does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition. You should consult a medical practitioner or other appropriate health care professional for a physical exmanication, diagnosis and formal
advice. Health24 and the expert accept no responsibility or liability for any damage or personal harm you may suffer resulting from making use of this content.

Health24 is South Africa's premier health information website

Get a daily health tip

Subscribe and you could win R 1 000!

* Please enter a valid email address to continue.

Stay in touch

The information on Health24 is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional. See additional information.